Martuccio anchoring Girard offensive line

August 21, 2012

Enter Brandon Martuccio, a 6-foot-2, 290-pound offensive tackle, who is the only returning lineman.

The three-year started looks to be the team's anchor.

"He had a great summer," Girard coach Nick Cochran said. "Good leader. Good kid. He does all the right things. Hopefully, that'll lead to what all of our other kids will do. Hopefully, they follow in his footsteps."

Martuccio knows he and his teammates have plenty to overcome after last season's 11-2 season and run to the Division IV, Region 13 title game.

"We have to pick up the slack. We're missing a lot of guys from last year," Martuccio said.

The offensive line is the key to the Girard offense, Martuccio said.

"As we go, the team goes," he said. "That's completely true. You can tell when we open up holes, our skills are good enough to hit those holes and make the plays. We need to set them up for them.

"That truly shows our success if we do good."

Last season, quarterback Dan Graziano had nearly 3,000 yards passing and rushing. Ahmad Eggleston had almost 1,200 rushing and Braden Byrd had more than 500 yards receiving.

This year, whoever gets the starting nods at the key skill positions, Martuccio will be there to help as well.

"It's great knowing that you're helping your teammate make a big play. It's a great feeling," Martuccio said.

For this offensive guard, who is being recruited by Oberlin, Westminster and Allegheny, he knows what it takes to succeed.

"You've got to stay low, drop people off the ball and pass protection is really important," he said. "You've got to keep those guys in front of you and create a pocket for your quarterback."

You might say Martuccio knows more than his role.

"He's smart," Cochran said. "He's a 4.0 student. He's probably going to be our valedictorian. That shows in the way he works in the classroom and comes and works on the football field."